Intimacy

Definition ~ A close, affectionate and loving relationship with another person (Your Spouse in this case)

I love the story of Jacob and Rachel in Genesis 29. I think there’s tremendous truth and symbolism in that encounter…

I see you

I was reading about a people group in Northern South Africa, where the initial greeting is…

“Sawu Bonba” which means “I see you.”

The return greeting is “Saku sana” which means “I am here.”

They believe unless you see them, they don’t really exist to you. Not just seeing with your eyes, but really recognizing where they are in life.

• “See” me, I become real to you!

• I know your heart

• I know and see the real you

• We give each other permission to be real

• Pretention and Performance, kills intimacy

I am here

We need to give one another permission to say honestly where we are. Our feelings, desires, hurts, hopes and dreams.

• There are seasons of life where our lover may struggle

• We support and love

• We are open and honest with each other about our feelings & or hurt

• We don’t run when our lover is struggling, no! We…

Draw near

When the one we love says “I am here” (a hard place) we don’t run or grow quiet in fear. We need to demonstrate to each other our commitment, by standing with them in the hard place…

• Draw close

• Intimacy is cultivated in time

• We have to be OK, with them NOT being OK

• We don’t take their struggle personally, we show an understanding

• We must make time for intimacy to develop
  

Move the stone

We need to be willing to serve and move things for those we love.. give them what they need spiritually.  

• Move any obstacles

• They must be the priority

• If not, someone else will fill it!

• It’s an effort!

• Jacob had to use some muscle to move that rock!

• Let your lover see you sweat, getting things done!

Water them

Give them what they need emotionally

• Serve your lover

• Give to the other whatever is needed!

• Water is the essence of  life! Water their soul!

Embrace and kiss them

Showing affection, and physical touch is essential to intimacy

• Intimacy produces affection

• God and Jesus are very affectionate

• Show the love…

• If you say, that’s not me. Repent!

• That’s not God! We are to have hearts like God!

The fruit

We will work and plant seeds of intimacy, and it will seem Ike just s few days. But the fruit, the incredible love and intimacy that is experienced will truly blow your mind!

How about you… (Refer to the emotional wheel above), how close are you have “Ecstasy?”  

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